Life as an Exchange Student in the Netherlands
UncategorizedIntroduction
His name is Adam Raharja, a 21-year-old man born in Jakarta, Indonesia, is currently studying at one of the well-known universities in Taiwan, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology. Mechanical engineering became his provision to try new things in a new country, therefore in the fourth year of semester 1, he decided to go to the Netherlands to do an exchange student. Only one semester at the University of Groningen, the Netherlands, with a slightly different major, Industrial engineering.
Why did he Chose The Netherlands?
According to the man who is more familiarly called Adam, the Netherlands is famous for its good English skills, which of course makes it easier for those who don’t speak Dutch to get used to it. The Netherlands is known for its friendly and safe people for tourists who come, therefore, he made his choice in the Netherlands.
What is the Difference Between The Netherlands and Taiwan and Indonesia?
“Overall it’s very different, especially the culture between the Netherlands and Taiwan as well as Indonesia being in Asia. Very different.” Adam answered when asked about the differences between the Netherlands and Taiwan and Indonesia. He said that Indonesian culture is much more conservative and closed. Whereas in the Netherlands, they are more open and spontaneous to new things, as well as a more direct way of speaking and a very different way of having fun. The difference in hours and different weather certainly makes Adam have to adapt again.
He also emphasized that he was quite shocked by the lessons in the Netherlands. It’s no secret, in Asia they are often told that studying in European countries is easier and more relaxed, and holidays are longer, but the reality is not like that. For Adam, studying in the Netherlands is more difficult than in Taiwan, the way of learning is also different, in the Netherlands the emphasis is on self-study with only 2 hours of lectures per week. It was quite surprising and unusual for him.
In Taiwan, Adam feels more numerate (identical to his engineering major). Study, then look at the questions, then do the exercises in the book. While in the Netherlands he feels more practical, for example through tutorial classes, they are given problems in real life and have to discuss to find the best solution to solve the problem based on the theory learned. Even though programming classes are also learning based on real life. In addition, the Netherlands also uses short semesters, which for him, the class cycle is very fast when compared to 1 long semester in Taiwan. Wow, that’s a lot of difference!
Is the Course that Adam Took in The Netherlands Relevant to What he Wants to do in the Future?
For Adam, the major he took in the Netherlands, although slightly different from the major he took in Taiwan, he thought was relevant. Because in the Netherlands, he learned more things related to the company in real life. What he learned can be applied in the company today. This is evident from the tasks he does, using real-life data and finding solutions.
What are his Difficulties While Studying in The Netherlands?
Adapting in a completely new place is very difficult, that’s how Adam feels right now. He should try to get used to the Dutch learning system which is very different from Taiwan. Then also in everyday life, food is very expensive when compared to Taiwan, and he also feels that food in the Netherlands is not as good as in Taiwan. And also because he is not in a big city, he feels that transportation in Groningen is not as comfortable as in Taiwan. Therefore, he prefers to study in Taiwan, because it is easier and also familiar with the school system.
Impressions, Messages and Suggestions
Adam felt very happy and lucky to be able to live in student housing which contained all exchange and erasmus students. So they are all in more or less the same position. They can explore new places together, if there are problems they can be solved together. It feels very solid.
He strongly encourages other students to go to the Netherlands, so that they can see and understand the new Dutch culture, see the work ethic and can be used as examples and lessons to be applied in Indonesia and any country of origin.